Article Archives | GreenStone Farm Credit Services

Pictured above from left to right: Lori Drozd, Joel Layman, Trent Hilding and Jed Welder.

GreenStone Farm Credit Services members reelected two directors and elected two new members to its board of directors.

Trent Hilding of Montcalm County, Mich., was re-elected to a four-year term representing voting region 5, located in the twelve counties covering mid and western Michigan. Hilding operates a grain and cow/calf farm, grain truck operation, and his agricultural law practice, which focuses on farm business and estate succession planning. He has served on the GreenStone board for four years, most recently as chair of the finance committee.

Jed Welder of Montcalm County, Mich., was also re-elected for another four-year term representing voting region 5. Welder operates a sustainable cash crop farm and custom harvesting business. He has served on the board since 2018, most recently as chair of the legislative/public policy committee.

Lori Drozd of Allegan County, Mich., was elected to the board for a four-year term representing voting region 4, located in the nine counties covering the southwestern corner of Michigan. Drozd helps manage a cash crop farm and consulting business. She previously served as chief financial officer of a commercial roofing company in Michigan.

Joel Layman of Berrien County, Mich., was also elected to the board for a four-year term representing voting region 4. Layman operates a first-generation row crop, hay, vegetable and conventional fruit operation. He also owns and operates Silver Creek Poultry LLC, a broiler breeder farm.

“As a member-owned cooperative governed by our members, GreenStone recognizes the importance of member involvement,” said Travis Jones, GreenStone President and CEO. “The re-election and election of these board members recognizes their strong commitment to our cooperative and its members. Their leadership continues to guide our efforts to strengthen rural communities across Michigan and northeast Wisconsin.”

Along with the board positions, GreenStone’s members elected individuals to serve on the cooperative’s 2027 nominating committee. The nominating committee is comprised of GreenStone members from throughout the organization’s territory who are tasked with recruiting candidates for next year’s board elections and nominating committee. The 2027 nominating committee includes:

Region 1 – Nathan Clarke (Midland County, Mich.), and Jacob T. Ostroski (Arenac County, Mich.)

Region 2 – Grant M. Davidson (Sanilac County, Mich.), and Brandon Stolicker (Sanilac County, Mich.)

Region 3 – Calby J. Garrison (Lenawee County, Mich.), and Matthew A. Greiner (Jackson County, Mich.)

Region 4 – Benjamin S. Schilling (Berrien County, Mich.), and William V. Schultz (Van Buren County, Mich.)

Region 5 – Michelle L. Nitengale (Montcalm County, Mich.), and Tyler C. Wilson (Gratiot County, Mich.)

Region 6 – Brett Feldpausch (Clinton County, Mich.), Patrick John (P.J.) Feldpausch (Clinton County, Mich.), Brett D. Roberts (Eaton County, Mich.), and Francis Trierweiler (Clinton County, Mich.)

Region 7 – Wayne M. Bradley (Kewaunee, Wis.), David M. Dal Santo (Oconto, Wis.), J. Patrick Hall (Kewaunee, Wis.), and Jason J. Walechka (Kewaunee, Wis.)

Read more about how members can get involved in this article.

About GreenStone Farm Credit Services

GreenStone Farm Credit Services has been serving the rural communities of Michigan and northeast Wisconsin for over a century. As one of America’s largest rural lenders, GreenStone provides tailored lending solutions and financial services for farmers, agribusinesses, home buyers, and outdoor enthusiasts. With $16 billion in assets, GreenStone serves over 29,000 members throughout Michigan and northeast Wisconsin by providing secure capital, a cooperative organizational structure, and the rural expertise needed to continue strengthening our communities. More information on GreenStone can be found at www.greenstonefcs.com.

Visit GreenStone’s Facebook page from June 22 to July 6, 2026, for your chance to win four tickets to the 2026 U.P. Championship Rodeo!

Participation in the giveaway is simple: visit GreenStone’s Facebook page from June 22 to July 6, 2026, and comment your answer to the question on our designated post. A random drawing will be held at the end of the contest period to select the two (2) winners and each winner will receive four (4) tickets to one night of their choosing to the 2026 U.P. Championship Rodeo from July 10-11, 2026.

Here’s what you need to know:

The contest begins with a social media post on June 22, 2026, and will conclude on July 6, 2026, at 9 AM CDT.
Four (4) tickets will be given away to the two (2) winners of the random drawing at the end of the contest period.
Participants must follow our Facebook page to be eligible to win.
Only one entry per person.
Entry must be appropriate and reflect the spirit of the rodeo.
Participants do not need to make any purchases to enter.
Participants must be 18 years or older to participate.
Participants must live in Michigan or Wisconsin to be eligible to win.
To receive the prize, winners must contact GreenStone via Facebook private message by July 8, 2026, and provide their contact information.

[More details in the official rules below]

GreenStone Farm Credit Services is a proud sponsor of the U.P. Championship Rodeo. Learn more about the upcoming event: U.P. Championship Rodeo | 58th Annual U.P. Championship Rodeo

Join us on Facebook to enter!

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Official GreenStone 2026 U.P. Championship Rodeo Sweepstake Rules:

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE THE CHANCES OF WINNING. The promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook.

Eligibility: This Sweepstake is open only to those followers of the GreenStone Farm Credit Service’s Facebook page (GreenStoneFCS) who participate by commenting on the specific Sweepstake post during the specified time frame and who are 18 years of age or older as of the date of entry. The Sweepstake is only open to legal residents of Michigan and Wisconsin and is void where prohibited by law. Once a participant of a GreenStone contest has been selected as a winner, participants are prohibited from winning all future GreenStone contests. Employees of GreenStone Farm Credit Services, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and suppliers, (collectively the “Employees”), and immediate family members and those living in the same household of Employees are not eligible to participate in the Sweepstake. The Sweepstake is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited.
Agreement to Rules: By participating, the Sweepstake participant (“You”) agree to be fully and unconditionally bound by these Rules, and You represent and warrant that You meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, You agree to accept as final and binding the decisions made by GreenStone Farm Credit Services as it relates to the terms and conditions of this Sweepstake.
Sweepstake Period: Entries will be accepted online starting with the Facebook Sweepstake post on June 22, 2026. Entries can be submitted until July 6, 2026, at 8:59 AM CDT. The two (2) randomly selected winners will be notified on July 6, 2026.
How to Enter: The Sweepstake must be entered by commenting on the designated post as directed on the GreenStone Farm Credit Services Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GreenStoneFCS. Comments that are incomplete or do not adhere to the rules or specifications may be disqualified at the sole discretion of GreenStone Farm Credit Services. You must provide the information requested. You may enter one comment/entry per post per the life of the contest. Multiple comments will not increase your odds of winning, as GreenStone Farm Credit Services will base its selection on the first comment You made. If You use fraudulent methods or otherwise attempt to circumvent the rules, your submission may be removed from eligibility at the sole discretion of GreenStone Farm Credit Services.
Prizes: Two (2) Winners will be randomly chosen. Winners will receive four (4) tickets to the 2026 U.P. Championship Rodeo. Actual/appraised value may differ at the time of prize award. Greenstone Farm Credit Services shall solely determine the specifics of the prize. No cash or other prize substitution shall be permitted except at GreenStone Farm Credit Services’ sole discretion. The prize is nontransferable. All prize-related expenses, including without limitation all federal, state, and/or local taxes, shall be the sole responsibility of Winner. No substitution of prize or transfer/assignment of prize to others or request for the cash equivalent by Winner is permitted. Acceptance of prize by Winner constitutes Winner’s permission granted to GreenStone Farm Credit Services to use Winner’s name, likeness, and entry for purposes of advertising and trade without further compensation, unless prohibited by law.
Odds: The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.
Winner Selection and Notification: Two (2) Winners from the Sweepstake post will be randomly chosen by GreenStone Farm Credit Services. Two (2) Winners will be notified in the comments of the Facebook post on July 6, 2026, at 9 AM CDT; Sweepstake comments will be eligible for the life of the contest. GreenStone Farm Credit Services shall have no liability for Winners’ failure to receive notices due to Facebook notifications, spam, junk email, or other security settings or for Winners’ provision of incorrect or otherwise non-functioning contact information. If the Winners cannot be contacted, are ineligible, or fail to claim the prize by July 8, 2026, the prize may be forfeited. The Winners must contact GreenStone Farm Credit Services via Facebook private message with their name, email, and phone number by July 8, 2026, to receive the details of redeeming their tickets. Receipt by Winners of the prizes offered in this Sweepstake is conditioned upon compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. ANY VIOLATION OF THESE OFFICIAL RULES BY A WINNER, AT GREENSTONE FARM CREDIT SERVICES’ SOLE DISCRETION, WILL RESULT IN WINNER’S DISQUALIFICATION AS WINNER OF THE SWEEPSTAKE, AND ALL PRIVILEGES AS WINNER WILL BE IMMEDIATELY TERMINATED.
Rights Granted by You: By entering this Sweepstake, You understand and agree that GreenStone Farm Credit Services, anyone authorized to act on behalf of GreenStone Farm Credit Service, and GreenStone Farm Credit Services’ licensees, successors, agents, and assigns, shall have the right, where permitted by law, to print, publish, broadcast, distribute, and use in any media now known or hereafter developed, in perpetuity and throughout the world, without limitation, your entry, name, portrait, picture, voice, likeness, image, statements about the Sweepstake, and biographical information for news, publicity, information, trade, advertising, public relations, and promotional purposes, without any further compensation, notice, review, or consent.
By entering this Sweepstake, You represent and warrant that your Facebook Sweepstake comment is your original comment and does not violate any third party’s proprietary or intellectual property rights. If your Facebook comment infringes upon the proprietary or intellectual property right of another, You will be disqualified at the sole discretion of GreenStone Farm Credit Services. If the content of your Facebook comment is claimed to constitute infringement of any proprietary or intellectual proprietary rights of any third party, You shall, at your sole expense, defend or settle against such claims. You shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless GreenStone Farm Credit Services from and against any suit, proceeding, claims, liability, loss, damage, costs or expense, which GreenStone Farm Credit Services may incur, suffer, or be required to pay arising out of such infringement or suspected infringement of any third party’s right.
Terms & Conditions: GreenStone Farm Credit Services reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstake should any virus, bug, non-authorized human intervention, fraud, or other source beyond GreenStone Farm Credit Services’ control, corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, or proper administration of the Sweepstake. In such case, GreenStone Farm Credit Services may select the Winner from all eligible Facebook comments received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by GreenStone Farm Credit Services. GreenStone Farm Credit Services reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers with or attempts to tamper with the entry process, administration or operation of the Sweepstake, or website, or violates these Terms and Conditions. GreenStone Farm Credit Services has the right, in its sole discretion, to maintain the integrity of the Sweepstake, to void Facebook comments for any reason, including, but not limited to: multiple Facebook comments on same post from the same user from different IP addresses; multiple Facebook comments from the same computer in excess of that allowed by Sweepstake rules; or the use of bots, macros, scripts, or other technical means for entering. Any attempt by an entrant to deliberately damage any website for the purpose of undermining the legitimate operation and administration of the Sweepstake may be in violation of criminal and civil laws. Should such attempt be made, GreenStone Farm Credit Services reserves the right to fully seek damages permitted by law.
Limitation of Liability: By commenting on a Sweepstake post, You agree to release and hold harmless GreenStone Farm Credit Services and its subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers, and directors from any liability, illness, injury, death, loss, litigation, claim, or damage that may occur, directly or indirectly, whether caused by negligence or not, from: (i) such entrant’s participation in the Sweepstake and/or his/her acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of any prize or any portion thereof; (ii) technical failures of any kind, including but not limited to the malfunction of any computer, cable, network, server, hardware or software, Facebook page, or other mechanical equipment; (iii) the unavailability or inaccessibility of any transmissions, telephone, or Internet service; (iv) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Sweepstake; (v) electronic or human error in the administration of the Sweepstake or the processing of comments.
Disputes: THIS SWEEPSTAKE IS GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE STATE OF MICHIGAN, WITHOUT RESPECT TO CONFLICT OF LAW. AS A CONDITION OF PARTICIPATING IN THIS SWEEPSTAKE, PARTICIPANT AGREES THAT ALL DISPUTES THAT CANNOT BE RESOLVED BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND CAUSES OF ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR CONNECTED WITH THIS SWEEPSTAKE, SHALL BE RESOLVED INDIVIDUALLY, WITHOUT RESORT TO ANY FORM OF CLASS ACTION, EXCLUSIVELY BEFORE AN APPROPRIATE COURT HAVING JURISDICTION WITHIN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN. FURTHER, IN ANY SUCH DISPUTE, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL PARTICIPANT BE PERMITTED TO OBTAIN AWARDS FOR, AND HEREBY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS TO, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING ATTORNEY’S FEES, OTHER THAN PARTICIPANT’S ACTUAL, REASONABLE OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES (I.E. COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH ENTERING THIS SWEEPSTAKE). PARTICIPANT FURTHER WAIVES ALL RIGHTS TO HAVE DAMAGES MULTIPLIED OR INCREASED.
Privacy Policy: Information submitted with an entry is subject to the Privacy Policy stated on the GreenStone Farm Credit Services website. View the Privacy Policy at https://www.greenstonefcs.com/resources/member-resources/security-privacy-center/
Winners List: To obtain a copy of the Winners’ names or a copy of these Official Rules, mail your request along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Attn: Marketing and Public Relations Department, 3515 West Road, East Lansing, Michigan 48823. Requests must be received no later than July 8, 2026. These Official Rules may not be available online after the expiration of this Sweepstake. Copies of these Official Rule may be requested as noted in this paragraph, subject to GreenStone Farm Credit Services document retention policy.
Sponsor: The Sponsor of the Sweepstake is GreenStone Farm Credit Services, 3515 West Road, East Lansing, Michigan 48823, USA.
Sweepstake hosted by GreenStone Farm Credit Services is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook.

Farming is an ever-changing industry. As you know, it takes persistence, resilience, and unwavering determination to build a thriving farming operation. As agriculture continues to evolve due to changing markets, new technology, fluctuating weather patterns, and consumer demands, producers continue to adapt and reinvigorate their business practices. If you’re considering diversifying your income streams or incorporating additional ways to add value to your operation, here are important topics to speak to your lender about beforehand.

Communicate the changes being made

No matter the updates you plan to make, it’s important to bring your lender into the conversation even in the early stages of planning. Are the changes you’re making going to impact the scale of your operation? Maybe you’re considering renting more land or have decided to streamline your operation and focus your efforts on a select number of commodities. Perhaps you’re considering improving your efficiency through additional processing equipment or would like to implement more sustainability practices on your farm. No matter the updates you’ll be making to your operation, make sure your lender has a thorough understanding of your plans, and the “why” behind your changing farming practices.

Consider the financial impact on your farm

Any change to your business practices, big or small, will have a financial impact. When working with your lender on implementing these changes, there are several financial checkpoints you should evaluate.

Consider any upfront costs of getting started with the new business practice. This could include any equipment you don’t already own or have access to, additional infrastructure or labor, different inputs like seed or fertilizer, or any other costs associated with integrating new processes into your operations.

If you have an operating line, evaluate the impact any changes will have on your working capital. Will you need to increase your line of credit to cover the upfront expenses of implementing a new business practice? Have you considered the timing of cash-flow, especially if you expect to see delayed payback from this new activity? These are all important conversations to have with your lender, who can help you determine the right solution.

Are these changes the right fit for your operation?

Whenever you’re making decisions that will impact the structure of your business, it’s important to evaluate how those changes will affect your operations in the long run. Are the changes you’re making complimentary to your existing business activities, or are they something completely new that requires an updated business model? How much of your daily operations will you need to change? Do your plans make sense with your long-term goals for your farm?

In recent years, dairy farmers have become more intentional with their breeding decisions while looking for ways to maintain their margins and avoiding an overabundance of replacement heifers in their herd. As a result, beef-on-dairy breeding has become a popular way for dairy farmers to see a faster return on investment on day-old calves.

Additionally, many farmers have integrated direct marketing into their business models through farmer’s markets, farm stands, online stores, or U-pick operations. Marketing directly to consumers provides many benefits such as stronger relationships and connections to consumers while eliminating the expense of a middleman. However, before jumping all-in on a new way to diversify revenue such as these examples, it’s important to consider the costs of implementing a new marketing strategy to determine if it will pay off in the long run.

Does your farm have bandwidth to try something new?

Implementing changes also comes down to your operation’s capacity to incorporate additional expenses, logistics, and time dedicated to another activity. Your lender can help you review benchmarks like market demand, resource availability, time commitment needed, and what your strategy is if market demand softens. That’s why starting the conversation as early as possible with your lender will help you develop a strategic and thorough plan.

Work with a team of experts

No matter what your goals are for your farm, it’s important to bring your lender into conversation as soon as possible. Working with an experienced agricultural lender like GreenStone can help you determine what the right move is for your farm. Our team of specialized lending experts are here to help guide you through the process of integrating new business practices into your farming operation.

This article was originally published in Michigan Farm News.

Whether you are buying a home, working with a contractor to build a home, or putting on the hard hat yourself with a DIY home construction loan, chances are you will need financing. When applying for a home loan, here are the common documents you will need to help ensure a smooth loan process.

Home Loan Document Checklist

These are the documents you will need for almost all home and home construction loans.

Completed loan application: Most lenders, like GreenStone, offer an online application tool in addition to a paper loan application. We recommend speaking with a financial services officer before applying to go over approval details and discuss your plans.
E-consent form: Opting into E-consent will allow GreenStone to send notices, documents, and disclosures to you electronically.
Two most recent tax returns, including W-2s: At GreenStone, we require your two most recent tax returns, including your W-2s. We will evaluate your two-year historical average.
Pay stubs from the past 30 days: To confirm your income and current employment status.
Two most recent monthly bank statements: To verify your liquid assets and confirm the source of your downpayment.
Most recent investment statements: GreenStone requests your most recent statement from each of your IRA, 401K, retirement, or other investment accounts. This information will document any additional liquid assets.
Purchase agreement: A legally binding document, signed by the seller and purchaser, documenting the details of the sale/purchase of the real estate. If the transaction is a purchase, GreenStone will require a fully executed purchase agreement.
Photo Identification: For your safety, to be approved for a loan, you must provide an official form of photo identification. This can be a driver’s license, a state-issued ID card, or a passport.

Additional Documents Needed for a Refinance

If you are refinancing a piece of land or a home, you will need the documents listed from the checklist above, along with your:

Most recent winter and summer tax bills: As part of the evaluation of your ability to repay your loan, lenders consider your real estate taxes. At GreenStone, when refinancing, we ask for your most recent winter and summer tax bills.
Insurance declaration page indicating annual premium: We take into account your homeowner’s insurance premium to ensure all expenses are factored into the feasibility of loan repayment.

DIY Home Loan Document Checklist

If you are building your dream home as a “do-it-yourself” project instead of fully contracted, you will need all the documents listed from the home loan document checklist, along with the following documents:

Your building plans: GreenStone requires an outline of your building plans, including the dimensions of each room and floor plan. Some lenders also require stamped blueprints.
Dwelling specifications form: Your lender will ask for a plans and specifications form that outlines the design of your home. The form will also specify what type of materials you will be using throughout the entire house.
Bids from contractors for the entire build: While you may be planning to build portions of the home yourself, it’s important to plan ahead in case there is a bump in the road. GreenStone may require bids from contractors to complete the work in case you are injured or can no longer finish the project yourself during the designated timeline.
Signed and notarized sworn statement: A sworn statement is a construction document that lists the contractors and suppliers that provide material or labor for a project. It includes information about who is owed money and how much they are owed.
Dwelling under construction insurance (builder’s risk insurance): Most lenders, including GreenStone, require you to secure builder’s risk insurance to protect against things like theft of building materials or weather-related structure damage during construction.
Construction agreement or builder contract: If you are working with a contractor for portions of your home construction, you will also need to provide a construction agreement or builder contract so your lender can review the details and timeline of the project. GreenStone requires a construction agreement signed by both you and the builder(s). If you are working with more than one building company, you will need to provide an agreement for each one.

Knowing what documents to provide when applying for a home or construction loan can be overwhelming. Our local team of lending experts are ready to assist you! Before applying, reach out to your local GreenStone branch, to have a member of our team walk you through the approval process, or get started with the loan application process here.

With planting season in full swing, it’s a good idea to take a step back and evaluate a few financial checkpoints to ensure you are on the right track for hitting your goals for the season. Planting season is one of the busiest and most cash-intensive times of the year, so taking a proactive approach to reviewing your financial position can help support informed decision-making and position your operation for success throughout the entire year.

Know Your Numbers

Input Costs

Cost awareness will improve everything from your marketing decisions to your pricing strategy, to your peace of mind and confidence. Start by identifying your break-even cost and cost per acre. Having a clear understanding of the cost to produce your crop allows you to better manage input expenses like seed, fertilizer, and fuel while keeping track of what you’ve already spent this season. Review which costs have increased since your original projections and evaluate where adjustments can be made. If needed, look for opportunities to reduce expenses now so you can stay on track with your goals.

Working Capital

During this time of year, when cash flow is typically lower, it is also important to evaluate your working capital. Do you have enough cash flow to cover your input costs and operating expenses? An operating loan can help give you the working capital you need to keep operations running smoothly.

Be sure to monitor your operating line usage closely—if expenses are higher than expected and you need to increase your line of credit, reach out to your lender as soon as possible to discuss the right solution to support your operation.

Revenue Projections

As you wrap up planting, evaluate whether your planted acres matched your plan going into the season. Are there any early indicators such as weather, soil conditions, or prevented planting that could impact your yield for harvest season? If so, communicate these challenges as far ahead as possible with your lender, especially if they are impacting your revenue projections.

It’s never a bad idea to communicate potential challenges to your tax specialist ahead of time too. This can help them estimate your tax liability and recommend strategies to manage it as well. At GreenStone, our lending and financial services work together, minimizing the need to work with a separate lender and tax and accounting specialist. Our team is here to find the best possible solutions for you!

Plan Beyond the Current Season

Service Your Equipment

Are there any repairs or routine maintenance that should be performed on your equipment? Don’t wait until something breaks to service your machines; preventative maintenance goes a long way in extending the life – and value – of your costly investment. Now is the time to get your fleet ready for harvest season. It’s also important to consider any equipment upgrades or replacements that should be made at this time. Just be sure you are avoiding unnecessary capital purchases, and the return on investment is beneficial to your operation and your bottom line!

Evaluate Coverage Levels

It’s also a good idea to consider additional coverage options for your crops, such as adding crop hail insurance to your policy which can protect you against yield losses caused by fire, lightning, or vandalism. Talk to your crop insurance specialist about additional coverage options that are available to you.

Invest Now in Input Costs

If possible, purchasing inputs such as seed and fertilizer in the off-season can save you time and money in the long run.

Plan for your other upcoming seasonal cash flow needs as well. Ask yourself what your cash flow needs will be as you begin to plan for harvest season that you can account for now, such as grain storage or land rent payments.

The Power of Being Proactive

More than anything, being proactive when communicating with your lender is key. Knowing your numbers provides the foundation for every decision you make, helping both you and your lender make informed decisions that will help you reach your goals each season.

Contact your local team of lending experts at your nearest GreenStone branch to learn more.

This article was originally published in Michigan Farm News.

Located in Ellsworth, Mich., between Traverse City and Charlevoix, is Circle M Acres founded by Jeanna Michalek. They focus on equine education, horse boarding, riding lessons, and hosting small horse shows. The operation serves a wide range of participants, from children as young as 3 years old to adults in their 70s. Circle M Acres is designed to be both an educational and welcoming environment where people of all ages can learn about horsemanship, build confidence, and develop their skills around horses.

While growing up with horses, Jeanna was involved in 4-H, which played a crucial role in shaping her agricultural experience. During high school, she mentored younger 4-H members, taking them under her wing, which sparked her passion for equine education and mentorship.

Over the years, she built on that foundation through other hands-on experiences, and that’s when Circle M Acres officially came into fruition as a business in 2020. Now, the team cares for around 20 horses, half of which are a part of the business.

Jeanna used GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth Grant to expand her knowledge and services through equine first aid training. “At our facility, only four of our horses are under the age of 10, so a large portion of our herd requires specialized care and attention as they age. I couldn’t find a lot of resources to help me, so I decided why not take an opportunity to better serve not only us, but other horse owners in the community.”

Circle M Acres is financed through GreenStone, so when doing research for opportunities and resources for grant funding, it was the first place Jeanna looked. “Once I found it, the application process was very straightforward and approachable. It was easy to navigate and made me feel like it was a realistic opportunity, even for a nontraditional agricultural business like ours.”

After being approved, Jeanna was set up to start the self-paced Equine First Aid Training program and is currently working through it. So far, one of Jeanna’s biggest takeaways from the course was how much horse owners can do to be proactive in emergency situations. “The training reinforced that having the right knowledge and tools in place can make a major difference during an emergency. We covered a variety of scenarios, including eye injuries, trauma situations, and other common emergencies horse owners might face. It gave me confidence to respond to situations like checking vitals, using emergency tools, applying bandages, and assessing injuries until the veterinarian arrives.”

The training will help Jeanna to better support her horses, as well as her clients, while strengthening services offered at Circle M Acres. Jeanna says, “the biggest improvements it will bring is the ability to provide equine first aid education to others in the community, which adds another layer to our operations and helps diversify our income stream as well.”

Jeanna wants to encourage others, especially those involved in non-traditional agriculture, to explore opportunities like those through GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth program. “Grants like this can be incredibly valuable and accessible, and they’re a great way to invest in your operation, education, and future.”

If you are interested in exploring opportunities for a chance to invest in your future, click here to learn more about the CultivateGrowth grant and what it can offer you.

As a homeowner, you’ve probably heard of the term “home equity,” but are you familiar with what it means? Home equity represents the potential cash profit you would receive if you sold your home and paid off your remaining debt. Did you know you can leverage the equity you have in your home, and put it to work for you? Learn how to calculate your home equity, and how you can use it below.

How is home equity calculated?

Calculating your home equity is as simple as taking the current value of your home and subtracting the amount you still owe on your mortgage and any other liens you may have against the property.

For example, if your home is valued at $300,000, and you have a loan balance of $100,000, you will have $200,000 in total equity on your home. When working with your lender to calculate your home equity, they will conduct an official appraisal to get the most up-to-date valuation of your home.

From there, your lender will determine the amount of accessible equity you have in your home. Your accessible equity is what you can put to work for you. This is usually around 80% of what your home’s value is. So, for a home worth $300,000, 80% of that amount would be $240,000. After subtracting the $100,000 left on your loan balance, this leaves you with an accessible equity amount of $140,000.

What can I do with my home’s equity?

There are many ways to leverage your home equity. A home equity loan can help you finance major life expenses, such as college tuition, a wedding, or investment opportunities. It can also be used to fund home improvements or renovations, or purchasing an additional property, such as a vacation home, or land.

Your lender will need to approve the use of your home equity loan. They will also look at qualification factors such as your credit score, and debt-to-income ratio like they would for any other loan. It is important to note that to qualify for a home equity loan with GreenStone, your first mortgage must also be financed with GreenStone.

How to know if a home equity loan is right for you

Equity can be a powerful financial tool, but it should be used wisely. When determining the right way to utilize your home equity, ask yourself these questions:

Can I afford to add a new monthly payment in addition to my existing mortgage?
Are the interest rates for a home equity loan favorable?
Is a home equity loan the best choice for my individual needs, or would an alternative financing option be better for me?

A home equity loan should be a strategic investment that makes sense for your unique goals. As an existing GreenStone home loan customer, our dedicated team of loan experts will walk you through each step of the process and ensure your goals are aligned with the funds accessible through a home equity loan.

How home equity loans work

When it comes to building equity in your home, the value of your home will generally grow naturally over time due to market appreciation and inflation. Investing in your home through home improvements such as bathroom or kitchen upgrades, or major projects like an addition or finishing a basement will also increase your home’s value. Making extra payments to the principal and simply paying down your mortgage over time are other ways to build equity, giving you the opportunity to use it to your benefit.

Home equity loans with GreenStone can be financed anywhere from five up to 30 years on a fixed interest rate. As an existing home loan customer with GreenStone, if you only have a few years left to pay on your mortgage, you have the option to keep your existing loan and finance your home equity loan separately. You may also have the option to roll your existing loan into a new one that includes your home equity loan, consolidating both into one loan. This is something your GreenStone financial services officer can advise you on. Your financial services officer will work with you after being approved to find the best structure for your home equity loan.

Refer to the experts

Understanding the equity you have built up in your home will help you make informed decisions on how to use it and how it can benefit you the most.

If you have any questions on how you can access your home’s equity and how you can put it to work for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local GreenStone branch and speak with a member of our lending team!

Damiana Andonova, originally from Bulgaria’s southwestern wine country, is exploring the development of a micro farm in South Haven, Mich. She envisions a small storybook-style micro farm where she plans to grow berries, mushrooms, and rare cut flowers, with an emphasis on regenerative practices and land stewardship.

Growing up in Bulgaria, Damiana’s great-grandmother raised chickens and goats, while she helped her family tend to a fruit garden. Those early experiences continue to spark her interest in cultivating food in a way that is sustainable and deeply rooted in tradition. She wants to honor those roots in South Haven.

Laying the Groundwork for Sustainable Growth

Her goal is to advance regenerative farming practices locally by offering crops that are uncommon in the area and well-suited for local soil. Although she’s taken coursework in soil science, a big turning point was retaining the services of an agricultural business consultant, Janine Aquino, with the help of GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth grant.

“It helped me build an integrated pest management plan and strengthen my business strategy,” said Damiana. She also worked with mentors through USDA’s SCORE program, which gave her access to local guidance that helped shape her plans.

The grant dollars also allowed Damiana to participate in the Four Star Mushroom Plant Tour in Chicago where she toured the facility, asked questions and learned how mushroom operations function at different scales. She noted it enabled her to understand how others are entering the market and how they are gaining and retaining clients.

“I was really blown away by the Four Star Mushroom Plant Tour with their resilience and the relationships they have built over the years. Seeing Joe and Sean’s facility and the controlled environment they have built for their commercial mushroom operation helped me clarify the direction I wish to pursue. The experience was beneficial for me to understand production methods, sanitation standards, and how to really grow smart to scale,” said Damiana.

Damiana found the grant from researching agritourism and Michigan agricultural resources. “As someone who was very early in the process of exploring what to do, it was great to find a grant that helps young founders feel supported in their journey to make their dreams real. That’s what made the CultivateGrowth grant stand out to me. From helping to identify and access early resources to get me on the right path and guide me on how to move forward, I felt supported from the very beginning.”

Looking ahead, Damiana plans to dig deeper with sanitation protocols, safety measures, and capital equipment planning. “I am thinking bigger about how to create a system that is safe, efficient, and aligned with organic and regenerative values, while still being realistic for a small operation. I want to build something meaningful that lasts.”

If you are interested in exploring opportunities for support through GreenStone, click here to learn more about the CultivateGrowth grant.

Registration for seminars are now closed. Be on the lookout for future seminars near you!

At GreenStone, we realize the journey of buying your dream home can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the home buying process, or you’ve already explored a few homes, navigating the purchasing process can be a daunting task. We are here to help you each step of the way!

To guide you through this process and empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions, we extend a warm invitation to join one of GreenStone’s complimentary home buying seminars!

Led by experienced mortgage loan experts, each seminar is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the flexible financing options available to our members. Our experts will dedicate one hour to walk you through the entire home buying process, covering crucial aspects such as:

Loan Approval Timeline: Gain insight into the loan approval timeline, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the steps necessary to secure your financing.

Various Loan Options: Explore the diverse range of loan options available, tailored to suit your specific needs and financial preferences.

Understanding the Loan Process: Dive into the unique steps of the loan process, giving you a comprehensive overview of what happens during the loan processing phase.

Our goal is to equip you with the insights and confidence needed to take the next steps in your home-buying journey. Register now for one of GreenStone’s home buying seminars – our dedicated team of lending experts are here to help make buying your dream home a reality!

We understand life is busy, which is why we are offering three different options for you to attend either an in-person or virtual seminar that works best with your schedule.

Each event is free to attend; however, registration is required. Sign up to attend the in-person or virtual webinar that best fits your schedule:  

Sign up for a virtual home buying webinar

Thursday, May 28 at 6:00 pm EST
Tuesday, June 2 at 12:00 pm EST

Sign up for an in-person home buying seminar

GreenStone Traverse City Branch
- 3491 Hartman Rd. Traverse City, MI 49685
- Wednesday, June 3 at 6:00 pm EST

Join us to gain the knowledge you need to confidently navigate the home buying process. Don’t miss this opportunity to take the next steps toward buying the home you’ve always envisioned. Register now for one of Greenstone’s home buying seminars and embark on your journey to homeownership with confidence!

Keeping open communication with your lender is one of the keys to navigating fluctuating market cycles. A downturn in commodity markets often creates challenges for many farmers across the country. It is pivotal to keep an open line of communication with your lender so that in the event of a challenging time, you and your lender can work together towards a mutually agreed upon solution.

GreenStone has over a century’s worth of experience helping our members work through a wide variety of challenges they may face. We pride ourselves in partnering with our members and maintaining healthy, long-standing relationships with our borrowers. When challenges arise, honest and transparent two-way conversations are critical to determine the right course of action. We encourage you to reach out to your lender at the first sign of any financial headwinds you anticipate.

Due to the uniqueness of each borrower, GreenStone typically discusses and evaluates every situation on a case-by-case basis. Based on our experiences, below are some tips to consider ensuring productive and healthy communication with your lender and the best solutions and outcome:

Develop a trusted lender relationship

Trust must exist both ways, between the customer and the lender. Establishing a trusted relationship requires honest, forthright and transparent conversations. At GreenStone, we build teams around each borrower so we can provide the best solutions and experience for all our customers.

Seek help early

If you feel you are not going to be able to meet an upcoming payment, or your working capital position is strained, it is important to reach out early. The earlier a problem is detected and diagnosed; the sooner the right solution can be implemented to solve the issue at hand.

Be transparent with your lender

All information needs to be shared that impacts your financial position. Withholding details critical to your financial position, such as a change in business structure, disagreements between partners or even personal situations that may stress the financial position of the business are all important for developing the right solution.

Keep good financial records

Maintaining high quality financial statements and records is critical regardless of your financial position. Being able to identify trends in these statements is paramount for your lender to be able to assess your situation and provide quality feedback. These should include a beginning and ending balance sheet with either tax returns or a high-quality profit and loss statement. For example, if you file a cash basis fiscal tax return for 2025, your lender needs a 12/31/2024 and 12/31/2025 balance sheet to understand the accrual earnings for that period. Your balance sheet needs to include accurate details for all assets and liabilities.

An accurate and detailed income projection is also critical to determine the right course of action in the future. Crop yield history and other production records are also beneficial to include in your financial information.

Develop a plan

An important part of your plan includes your goal for the outcome. Use your historical yield data and a marketing target. However, be realistic with yourself. If your 3-year average corn yield is 220 bushels/acre, don’t project 230 bushels/acre, especially if you are also projecting cost cutting in your input program. This is unfair to you and doesn’t give you a clear outlook on your potential to work out of the situation. If your plan includes liquidation of assets, research the true market value of that asset.

Overly optimistic plans can lead to a worse situation later. As we near planting season, connect with your lender ahead of planting to review your assumptions, discuss financing needs, and ensure your strategy is grounded in today’s market conditions. If your plan includes liquidation of assets, research the true market value—overly optimistic projections can lead to more challenges down the road.

Limit unsecured debt

Relying on credit cards and other unsecured debt can quickly escalate a short-term problem into an unreconcilable long-term problem. It can also hinder your ability to obtain other financing. If you need to use unsecured debt, be sure to have a repayment plan in place beforehand.

Keep an open mind

Often your plan you come to the table with needs adjustments to be feasible to both parties. An experienced lender will likely have practice in similar situations in the past. It is important to remain open to ideas through the process. An experienced lender likely has worked through a similar situation. Our role as a trusted advisor is to “facilitate” a high-quality conversation identifying financial options that are acceptable to both parties. Establishing trust in the lender – customer relationship will also pave the way for the best outcomes.

Build working capital

We’ve all heard the saying: “cash is king.” However, using cash to make capital expenditures can drain working capital in some cases. This should be kept in mind as you purchase assets. In some cases, you can improve your working capital position by rebalancing your debt stack, moving short-term liabilities down the balance sheet to an amortization that cash flows ideally.

Regardless of the situation, there is no “one size fits all” plan that fits every situation. GreenStone’s priority when working with our members is to develop the approach best tailored to your unique situation.

We encourage you to always maintain an open line of communication through all seasons with your lender to create an ongoing conversation around implementing the right solutions for your farm.

This article was originally published in Michigan Farm News.